Messed Up Church: To Do or Not To Do?

This discussion could get heated. We're doing it wrong if it does. Be wise in how you lead this discussion, and help people move forward.

1 Corinthians 8:1-13, 10:31-32

What kind of process do you typically go through in order to discern whether gray areas are right or wrong for you? (for instance: evaluate pros vs cons, seek counsel, just try it out, do what's comfortable, search scripture, do what your parents taught you, go with the flow, etc.?)

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5 Questions to ask ourselves as Christians when we begin to decide about gray area matters:

(For each question, ask your group to give an example in their life of when they've had to or should have asked these questions in order to discern the correct decision for something.)

1. Can I? - Does it violate Scripture? (8:4-6)

2. Should I? - It becomes a matter of personal conscience.

3. Is it my weakness? - Do I struggle with ____? (i.e. drinking too much, addiction, control, pride, putting this before God, etc.)

4. How will this affect others? - Will it cause another person to stumble, to sin, or push them away from Jesus? (10:32)

5. Does it honor God? - If it doesn't bring glory to God and point people to Jesus, then why would we do it? (10:31)

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How could the action of a believer's freedom hurt a weaker Christian? (8:9)

How can a Christian's "superior knowledge" (pride) destroy someone? (8:11)

Read 1 Cor. 8:13. Do you think Paul is going overboard? Why or why not?

How did you come to your decision of whether or not it is appropriate to participate or not participate in traditions like Halloween, Santa at Christmas, the Easter bunny, etc?

Drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and marijuana is legal within certain age limits and states. When is it ok or not ok for you, personally, to do these things?

There are many areas (politics, lifestyles, habits, finances, etc.) that Christians disagree on. At the end of the day, what is the most important issue, and what is the danger in letting other secondary issues come before it?

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Next Steps:

What decision or choice do you need to reevaluate in order to honor God and bring people closer to Him?

What issue have you placed above your identity in Christ, or have let become an idol before God? How will you go about repentance?

How can you help, encourage, or show love to another Christian who needs to apply these principles from scripture?